[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[45845]
'No. 1.
C O
262
Rece REGES NEC II
[November 14.]
SECTION 1.
Question asked in the House of Commons, November 14, 1911.
Earl of Ronaldshay,-
-To ask the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of the Government of India to put an end to the cultivation of opium in British India on the export of opium to China ceasing under the provisions of the treaty of 1911, and to restrict the cultivation of the drug required for consumption in India and for such export trade as will continue to exist to native States; and, if so, can he say what provision the Government intend to make for the officers at present serving in the opium department.
Answer by Mr. Montagu (for the Marquess of Crewe),
The Secretary of State is not aware that the Government of India have the intention mentioned by the noble Lord. In any case, the policy would require the approval of the Secretary of State before any steps to give effect to it were taken in India.
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